Creative City Hobsons Bay

👀 Looking for weekend plans?

We’re opening the doors to some of our most interesting buildings and spaces as part of Open House Melbourne.

There’s loads to see and do – check out the program online: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/OpenHouse

🏛️ THIS WEEKEND 🏛️

Rediscover your city with Open House Melbourne.

As a proud precinct partner, each year we open the doors to some of Hobsons Bay’s most interesting spaces – inviting you to seek out new places and reconnect with old favourites.

27 + 28 July
Check out the program at https://openhousemelbourne.org/hobsons-bay/

Ian Graham Bow (1914-1989) was a Modernist painter, sculptor and educator who made a prolific contribution to the arts.

To launch the Open House Melbourne program in Hobsons Bay, join PhD candidate Heather Lee for a fascinating discussion about Bow's cultural impact.

📅 Friday 26 July, 6pm to 7pm
📍 Hobsons Bay City Council Chambers, Altona
🔗 Free, bookings required: https://go.vic.gov.au/3xFRFvm

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Images
1. Ian Bow, Gaol Breakers, 1954, oil on masonite. Collection: Camberwell Grammar School, Dr Jos Xipell Bequest, 2022

2. Ian Bow sculpture, Hobsons Bay Civic Centre. Collection: Hobsons Bay City Council

3. Ian Bow modelling in clay “Son of Man” wall sculpture, ca. 1958. Photo: Spencer Shier, Melbourne. Ian Bow Papers, Mildura Arts Centre

4. Ian Bow facilitating an art class at Pentridge Prison. Photo: Pix, 1956. Ian Bow Archive, Haileybury College, Keysborough

Launching tonight!

Imagine… 1920’s Melbourne – the advent of the motorcar!

Society reels from the aftermath of war and a second wave of Spanish flu wreaks havoc on the streets. Theatres buzz with vaudeville hacks and men with an eye for enterprise seize every opportunity to weasel wealth. Meanwhile, one small woman defies convention and makes her mark…

From The Shift Theatre and Three Birds Theatre comes Garage Girls, the remarkable tale of the trailblazing Alice Anderson and her short but eventful life.

📅 Thursday 25 July, 7.30pm
📍 Williamstown Town Hall
🎟️ Tickets: $25 - $35

Garage Girls — Hobsons Bay Tickets Part history, part farce, part who-done-it, Garage Girls shines a light on one remarkable young woman’s short but eventful life.

😇 It's the final night to catch the fabulous Born in a Taxi and Hoop Sparx at Winter in Williamstown!

Head down to Nelson Place for some dancing, hoola hoop fun, and stunning light projections, and celebrate the winter season with us.

See you there!

More info 👉 https://go.vic.gov.au/3VCysUm

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📸: Mamma Knows West

We are updating our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and we’re seeking you’re input.

Local councils play a leadership role in strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

This NAIDOC Week, share your ideas for how we can show respect, improve relationships, and create more opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of our updated RAP.

Reconciliation Action Plan - Refresh Reconciliation is everyone's business. Join the conversation, and let's ensure the journey we continue together is grounded in fairness, respect and trust.

🚨 Get those applications in!

Wunder Gym is a unique program for artists and creatives who want to learn, grow and challenge themselves alongside an artistic mentor and a network of peers.

Through the program you’ll work with established artist Yandell Walton, and create new work for an exhibition as part of this year’s Melbourne Fringe program.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to take your art practice to the next level.
Submissions close today at 3pm: https://go.vic.gov.au/45qtQnO

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Images courtesy Wunder Gym and Yandell Walton

✨ FINAL WEEK! ✨

Rug up and celebrate the chilliest season at Winter in Williamstown.

With light projections and a waterfront skating rink every day, plus DJs, LED hoola hoop play and interactive theatre on Friday and Saturday night – don’t miss this magical family event.

❄️ Until 14 July in Nelson Place, Williamstown
❄️ Bookings required for skating
❄️ Full program at https://go.vic.gov.au/3VCysUm

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Photos by Matto Lucas Photography

🖤 This year we’re recognising NAIDOC Week with programs and events celebrating the world’s oldest, continuing living cultures.

💛 This year's theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of First Nations communities and invites everyone to stand in solidarity.

❤️ Join us for a flag raising ceremony at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre followed by a short film screening on Friday 12 July, or explore other programs at the link below.

NAIDOC Week Council recognises NAIDOC Week which runs from 3 July to 10 July each year, as an important annual celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations people.

⚡ THURSDAY ⚡ Don’t miss the sidesplittingly funny physical comedy Greece Lightning.

Straight from sell-out seasons at Edinburgh Fringe and London’s Soho Theatre, Garry Starr brings his hour of madcap mayhem to Williamstown Town Hall for one night only.

An overzealous idiot attempts to perform all of Greek Mythology in order to save his Hellenic homeland from economic ruin. Never before has Medusa been looser, Achilles more sillies or Uranus so heinous.

🎭 Thursday 4 July, 7.30pm
🎟️ Tickets: $25 - $35 at

Greece Lightning — Hobsons Bay Tickets An overzealous idiot attempts to perform all of Greek Mythology in order to save his  Hellenic homeland from economic ruin. 

❄️ Winter in Williamstown kicked off last night! With projections, ice skating, light-up play space and more — there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss this magical event with fun for all ages — get down to Commonwealth Reserve and Nelson Place these school holidays. ✨

🧤 Until 14 July
⛸️ More info: https://go.vic.gov.au/3VCysUm

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Hobsons Bay City Council

📣 Calling all music lovers! Newport Folk Festival Australia invites you to ‘Come and Play’ at their much-loved annual festival – happening this weekend!

Bring your instruments, your voice, or just yourself and be immersed in the vibrant community spirit that celebrates folk music and defines the festival.

🎻 Kicking off this Friday across various venues in Newport.
🎫 Tickets and full program available now: www.newportfolkfestival.org.au

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This event is proudly supported by Hobsons Bay City Council through its Make it Happen Grants program.

It’s a busy day down Dougie Parade!

This shot taken c.1920 – 1954 shows Burke’s store, Bates Bakery and Bancroft’s Dry Cleaners.

📸: Rose Stereograph Co, courtesy State Library Victoria

🎨 Have you spotted some colourful things popping up around your local area lately?

We’re working with professional street artists to roll out a series of new murals across Hobsons Bay.

Check out these shots of Steph cartledge working on a large-scale piece in Altona this week.

➡️ Find out more: https://go.vic.gov.au/4b5sUq0

✨ This Friday, Seaworks comes alive for the Winter Solstice Festival!

🤹 Celebrate the longest night and the shortest day of the year surrounded by giant puppets, circus performances, live music, and dance. There’ll also be art exhibitions, market stalls, and a variety of food and wine vendors.

🙌 This is a FREE event for the whole family.

📅 Friday 21 June, 5pm – 10pm
📍 Seaworks, 82 Nelson Place, Williamstown
➡️ More info: https://seaworks.com.au/events/seaworks-winter-solstice-festival-2024/

This event is proudly supported by Hobsons Bay City Council through its Make it Happen Grants program.

🎶 Calling all Dancing Queens… ABBA Day Downunder is coming to Williamstown this weekend!

Presented by The Equality Project, this very special event offers a full-day line-up of guest speakers, film screenings, music, dancing, and performances by THE CHOIR by ABBA The Museum – all the way from Stockholm, Sweden.

This is one event ABBA fans do not want to miss. Grab your tickets now at www.theequalityproject.org.au/events/abba-day-downunder-2024

📅 Sunday 23 June
📍 Williamstown Town Hall

Presented by The Equality Project - Australia in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council as part of the Arts at your Doorstep program.

❄️ Discover the magic of Winter in Williamstown these school holidays!

⛸️ Enjoy the ice-skating rink, free light projections, DJs and other affordable family fun along the water within historic Williamstown.

📅 28 June – 14 July
📍 Nelson Place and Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown
➡️ Find out more: https://go.vic.gov.au/3VCysUm

📚 W***y Lit Fest is this weekend! There's a jam-packed program of author talks, workshops, conversation panels, kids' programs and more.

🤸 And another great thing – kids go free!

👉 Check out the full program and book your tickets at www.willylitfest.org.au

🌟 APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW! 🌟

Stretch and satisfy creative curiosity with Wunder Gym 2024. This unique arts program provides an opportunity to develop skills and techniques alongside a network of peers and with the support of an artistic mentor.

Through the program, participants will create new works for an exhibition during the 2024 Melbourne Fringe.

This year we’re very excited to welcome mentor Yandell Walton, a highly-regarded artist who works across moving image, installation, and digital media.

⏱️ Applications close at 3pm on Wednesday 10 July
🔗 Find out more and express your interest: https://go.vic.gov.au/45qtQnO

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Wunder Gym 2024 is presented in partnership with Wyndham City.

Expressions of interest: Wunder Gym 2024 Extend your creative practice with the support of an artist mentor and a network or peers through the Wunder Gym 2024 program.

Staying local this long weekend?

🎼 Bring the kids along to Live and Local: Family Jams at Altona Theatre. Featuring Kokatha/Gunditjmara songman David Arden, the Australian Art Orchestra, and Mindy Meng Wang Music with guest QiQi.

🎶 There’s still time to grab final tickets to this family-friendly afternoon of storytelling and song. Or, try your luck on the day – walk ups welcome if capacity allows.

Sunday 9 June, 1pm – 3pm
Altona Theatre
Free, book via https://go.vic.gov.au/3x3dqVE

Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year’s theme, ‘Now More Than Ever,’ is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will and must continue.

Explore a range of events and resources on our website ⬇️

National Reconciliation Week 27 May to 3 June. A time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

📚 Grab your tickets for W***y Lit Fest!

Bringing you a jam-packed weekend program of insightful talks, inspiring workshops, fun children's programs and more from 14 - 16 June.

👉 Head to www.willylitfest.org.au to book.

🖌️ A treat for local history buffs. Tony Mead of Industrial Art Sign Co chats all things signwriting on a new podcast from the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

Pop it in your ears and have a listen 🎧 https://spoti.fi/3UF8gH7

Episode 5: Sign Language

We peel back the layers of paint and history with Tony Mead of Industrial Art Sign Co. in Spotswood. We explore the art and craftsmanship of hand-painted signs and the once-thriving industry that flourished in Melbourne and Victoria from the days of Marvellous Melbourne to its current status as a niche craft.

Beginning with Tony’s career as a sign writer in Melbourne at the age of 17, we delve into the perils and precariousness of sign writing and how it has evolved into a bespoke art form. With nearly 45 years in the industry, Tony has seen it all and shares his extensive knowledge of sign-writing history.

We also look at some of the companies and brands that made their mark — literally and figuratively — on the bricks and buildings of Melbourne. From the artistry of Buckle Brothers to the unearthing of the Lewis & Skinner company, this is Victoria’s history, but not as you know it.

Listen to it on here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/history-victoria/episodes/Episode-5—Sign-Language-e2jl70h

🎺 Charlie Needs Braces is the latest solo project from Naarm-based musician Charlie Woods. A proud GuriNgai woman and direct descendent of Bungaree and Matora, Charlie’s uplifting and energetic music weaves together stories, language, and layered harmonies.

🥁 Catch Charlie this Sunday from 1pm for Live & Local: Family Jams – Spotswood. Get set for a fun and interactive set featuring live looping, punchy percussion and lots of dancing!

🤸 All ages, alcohol-free gig.
➡️ Free, bookings required at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/familyjams

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Presented in partnership with Family Jams - gigs for kids and elders

📖 This year's W***y Lit Fest program has just been released!

Check out what’s on offer for kids and families in the post below - or head to the website to explore the full program. 👇

www.willylitfest.org.au

📣 Steve McCurry's ICONS exhibition is closing soon! Head to Seaworks to experience these mesmerising photographs in person.

🚨 Last chance to step into the great international exhibition on the work one of the biggest figures in the world of photography! 📸🌟
Only one month left to dazzle yourself with Steve McCurry´s life work

🎁 Need a spot of last-minute Christmas shopping?

Pop down to the Williamstown Twilight Christmas Market tomorrow evening, find the perfect gift, and get in the festive spirit.

🎄 Friday 22 December, 3pm – 7pm
🔔 John Morley Reserve, Williamstown

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Williamstown Twilight Market

🎄 Feeling festive? There’s loads happening in Hobsons Bay over the next 10 days. Get into the Christmas spirit with these great local events.

🕯️ Carols by Candlelight at Trafalgar Avenue Park, Altona Meadows
Saturday 16 December, 7pm

🎶 Carols by Candlelight at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown
Sunday 17 December, 7pm

🌟 Twilight Christmas Market at John Morley Reserve, Williamstown
Friday 22 December, 4pm

🎁 Heritage Toys Christmas Display at Williamstown Library
Until 31 January, during opening hours